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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 25

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Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture

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Part 1

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“I pray not

that thou shouldest take them out of the world,

but that thou shouldest

keep them from the evil.” 

John 17:15 

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There is a general consensus in Christendom today: a consensus that the majority of evangelicals jealously hold fast to!

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And what in the world could that consensus be?

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It is a church doctrine known as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture!

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And just what is the Pre-Tribulation Rapture?

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The Late, Great Planet Earth cover – Wikipedia – Non-Free Media Rationale

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THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE?

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The Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the erroneous belief, that prior to the coming of the long-promised “Time of Trouble”, God’s Elect Church will be snatched away from the earth, and be taken to Heaven, where they will live for seven years, as disembodied spirit-beings, waiting for the Tribulation to end, so that they can return to earth with Jesus to receive their bodies once again.

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Absurd notion? Yes, indeed!

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And so, just what is the reason that they will be snatched away from earth? Because, theologians have concluded that the Great Tribulation is for the sole purpose of God’s wrath, which God’s people will naturally miss out on.

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Now, during this seven-year tribulation on earth, there will be many Jews who will convert to Christianity, along with many Gentiles.

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Second Coming – Return – Resurrection Morning – Jan Luyken – Bible – Wikipedia – US Public Domain 

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THE COMING OF THE LORD

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Now of course, the name, “Rapture” is a theologian-given name, which has been substituted for the God-given name, “The Coming of the Lord” found in 1st Thessalonians 4:15-17.

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Listen… “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto THE COMING OF THE LORD shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

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So, what several theologians of the 1800’s did (Darby & Scofield, etc….), was to bypass the biblical name, “The Coming of the Lord”, and took the verb, “caught up”, and went into an ancient Roman Catholic Latin transcript, which used the word “ripere” instead of “caught up”. And the verb, “ripere” also happens to be the Latin root for various words, including the word, “rapture”. And so then, they turned the verb, “rapture” into a proper noun, “The Rapture”. And so now, after much theologian-derived gymnastics, they finally arrived with a brand-new name, which allowed there to be two second comings of Jesus: the theologian-concocted name, “The Rapture”, and the actual true biblical name, “The Coming of the Lord”!

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Cyrus Scofield – 1920 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

John Nelson Darby – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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PARADIGM SHIFT IN CHRISTIANITY

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The great problem is, that the very same passage (1st Thessalonians 4:15-17) has already named the event, “The Coming of the Lord” (see 1st Thessalonians 4:15). And so, this God-given name is now ignored, or has been set aside, and the theologian-given name, “The Rapture” has now supplanted the God-given name, “The Coming of the Lord”.

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So what’s wrong with all this? Why is it important what name we use?

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Well for one thing, prior to the time, about 115 years ago (some say 200 years ago), the general consensus was that Christ would return on “the last day” to redeem His people. And so, there was just one second Coming of Christ, not two!

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As a matter of fact, up until about the 1970’s, the general consensus through the centuries was that Christ will only return on the Last Day, as plainly stated in John, Chapter 6 (and other places in Scripture)!

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Sign of the Son of Man Constellation – made of the various constellations on this website

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PARTLY CORRECT!

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Now we shouldn’t condemn or censure those Christians who hold to the theory of two separate returns of Jesus.

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And why should we NOT condemn or censure those who hold to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture theory?

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Because, in a very real sense, Pre-Tribulation Rapturists are partly correct! God’s people will indeed be snatched away, prior to the Great Tribulation!

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That’s right! We will NOT remain on earth! We will ABSOLUTELY be taken from this earth prior to the coming Tribulation! And we will DEFINITELY be there without our physical bodies!

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MARTIN John, Great Day of His Wrath – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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TOGETHER IN THE HEAVENLIES!

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Now, before we get ourselves too confused, it must be known by God’s people, exactly how we will be taken away from earth!

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Listen… “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” Ephesians 2:5-7

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Yes, this above passage from Ephesians proclaims to us the glorious truth concerning our earthly sojourn: that though our mortal body must remain here for a little while longer, yet our hearts (but not our physical bodies) will be sitting together with Christ, in the heavenlies, but only in a spiritual sense!

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CAUGHT UP AT MOMENT OF SALVATION

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Now many might cry out, “So what’s new about that? After all, this kind of snatching away happens at the moment of Salvation!”

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Oh true, when a man, woman, or child becomes truly saved, he or she has now been translated up into the Heavenlies with Christ!

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But there are two revelations about this, that we must ponder (as this virtuous woman painting depicts her pondering God’s Word)!

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Braet von Überfeldt – Woman with Bible – 1866 – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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ON A SEA OF GLASS

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The first truth to consider is found in the following words of hope… “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20

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Yes, in this coming Time of Trouble, the terrible days ahead will be met by God’s abounding grace! And as never before in times past, God’s people will enjoy His abundant grace to an unprecedented degree!

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Yes, God’s people will fulfill that amazing description found in Revelation… “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal…And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” Revelation 4:6 & 15:2

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So, these two passages paint a glorious scenario of God’s faithful remnant standing before His heavenly throne, and yet standing in the midst of the fires of tribulation, while enjoying a heavenly serenity which surpasses all human understanding!

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David Playing Harp – www.thebiblerevival.com – US public domain

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FIERY FURNACE

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Now, we don’t exactly know what’s in store for us in the coming days ahead! But the way that things are just now deteriorating upon the world-stage, we can only imagine that it is going to be bad! Really bad!

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Be-that-as-it-may, God’s people will, more and more, find themselves alone with Christ in the heavenly sanctuary during this tribulation! Yes, in the midst of this hellish persecution here on earth, God’s people will become so merged with Christ in the heavenlies, that they will be unhurt by those fiery-flames-heated-7-times-hotter! 

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Fiery Furnace by Gustave Dore’ courtesy of adelaide.edu.au

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SATAN’S MANY DISTRACTIONS!

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But now for the second truth, which is not so wonderful!

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Sadly, the present condition of God’s people is mostly found in the following verse from the prophet, Isaiah… “We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.” Isaiah 26:18

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This verse just happens to be the current condition of God’s people, to a great degree! The Master Deceiver has waged a highly successful campaign against God’s people, flooding us with every conceivable distraction in the form of earthly treasures and worldly pleasures of every type!

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And so, as a result, God’s people have greatly neglected our heart-purification, because Satan has kept us so busy with all these time-consuming, energy-sapping, worldly pursuits!

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And just like this not-so-funny cartoon, we are living in pleasure, when we should be armoring up!

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GOOD NEWS!

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But amidst this very sad report, there is found some very Good News! Yes, God has graciously provided us with a little more time to repent, and to return to Him with spiritual sackcloth and weeping and mourning for our sin!

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And if we will only turn away from this glittering tinsel-like world, and plead for God to bring us with Him into His heavenly sanctuary, we can begin to fulfill our commission to be priests together with Christ in His Most Holy Place in our hearts-in-Heaven!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

 

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To read Part 2, click here…

“April 15 (Darby & Scofield’s Pre-Trib Rapture, Part 2: John 6)”

Second Coming – Return – Resurrection Morning – Jan Luyken – Bible – Wikipedia – US Public Domain (2)

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me enter into Thy Heavenly Sanctuary. Let me know the Way…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”, or you can also read… “January 7th (The Chrysalis Christian!)” 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

 

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ARK SEEN IN HEAVEN 

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“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.”  Rev. 11:19

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The above verse from Revelation, speaks of God’s Temple in Heaven being opened. But this great constellation, the  Sagittarius Constellation  is actually the constellation of the Ark of the Covenant. So these two events go hand in hand simultaneously. The Ark Constellation, as sketched into this Wikipedia star-chart, is a representation of the heavenly Ark, as God begins to open up the spiritual concepts of that true Ark to our minds.

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Star-chart from Wikipedia (this Website has taken the liberty to sketch in this Ark Constellation)

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

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TOMORROW…

“JANUARY 26 (The False Prophet: Lying Eyes!)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Satan, The False Prophet who offers a world-loving gospel 

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #390 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

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Daily Devotional – JANUARY 24

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Take Us the Foxes, The Little Foxes!

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Part 2:

“Little Sins!” 

To read Part 1, click here…JANUARY 23 (Take Us The Foxes, The Little Foxes!)

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“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.”

Song of Songs 2:15

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Rød Fox – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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In yesterday’s devotional (click here), it was shown that the “little foxes” represented all the little worldly influences which are corrupting the Church!

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Yes, both within the Church, and out there in society, the ungodly influences are just now closing in on Christians, making it more difficult with each passing day, to be a faithful and a sanctified Christian!

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Television, radio, Internet, I-phones, school systems, billboards, magazines, and even fellow church-members, are just some of the powerful influences which are causing Christians (and their children) to conform to the faithless and futile ways of the world!

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One could correctly make the observation, “This society, and increasingly, this entire world-system is fast becoming a veritable, giant, ‘antichrist-indoctrination-machine!'” 

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“LITTLE FOXES” SINS

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But there is another facet of truth to this little verse from Song of Songs! Yes, there are little foxes which are spoiling God’s vineyard, that many Christians don’t even see as sin!

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You see, many church-goers today, are under the false assumption that as long as we steer clear of outward sins (adultery, smoking, chewing, swearing, drunkenness, etc.) that we can engage in “little foxes” sins! Yes, it is the little foxes in the form of so-called “petty” sins, which are often overlooked, and yet will ultimately destroy the spiritual life of a churchgoer!

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Listen to the very words of Jesus… “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10

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Gossips in the Altstadt in Sindelfingen, Germany. Sally Kennison – share-alike license – cropped image – Wikimedia commons

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THE “LITTLE” SINS!

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“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10

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So here is a divine principle which should guide the Christian through many questionable little situations in everyday life! Yes, faithfulness and unfaithfulness are determined by the little choices we make! There are many seemingly “petty little sins” which churchgoers give little thought to…

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“Should I drive my car over the lawful speed limit?”

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“Should I tell a ‘little white lie’ for convenience’s sake?”

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“Should I skip purchasing the required permit to do some project?”

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“Is it wrong to grab a handful of “free advertising newspapers” to use at home to line the birdcage, start my fires, or to wrap cups and dishes into moving-boxes?”

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Building inspector speaks with contractors- Wikimedia – public domain

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FAITHFUL IN LITTLE MATTERS

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“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10

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This above passage from Luke tells us that, if we cannot be faithful in those little things, then we certainly will not be faithful in the big things either!

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Yes, this passage from Luke has probably been considered one of those much-dreaded “hard sayings” of the Bible! But as unpopular and/or ignored as this verse may be, it is nonetheless, a very giant concept, which will either make or break the Christian’s spiritual life!

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Chaplain reads Bible – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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INCENSE TO IDOLS!

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Back in the days of the ancient Roman Circus, Christians were offered the choice of sprinkling a little pinch of incense upon the altar of some god like Diana or Zeus.

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And only one tiny little pinch of incense upon that altar was enough to free them from suffering a hideous death by wild beasts!

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The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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MANY MODERN-DAY IDOLS

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But in today’s world, there may no longer be any literal altars! And yet, when I break the speed limit, am I not pinching some incense for the god of impatience? Or when I free-download some copyrighted material without paying, am I not pinching incense onto the altar of dishonesty as well as the 8th Commandment, “Thou shalt not steal”? Or when I secretly lust after some attractive person who happens to be walking by, am I not pinching incense to the goddess of sexual desire? Or when I purposely fail to report taxable income on my returns, am I not worshiping at the altar of covetousness, and also bearing false witness?

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You see, this world is the place of judgment! And when we were yet “dead in trespasses and sins”, our normal everyday behavior would allow for us to commit such little sins! (see Ephesians 2:2)

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But now that we have been washed in the blood of Christ, all these little temptations are God’s current means for purifying our hearts into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ!

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Computer hacking – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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MARK OF THE BEAST NOW GIVEN!

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There are many Christians who swear that they will never take the “Mark” should the day come in which it is offered to them.

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But what they do not realize is, that the preparation for the Mark is right now being offered to us, each and every day, in the form of these little choices we make!

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And should the day come that we are offered a giant choice concerning the “Mark”, we will make the very same choice that we habitually made in our past everyday little choices!

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In other words, if we habitually choose honesty, and patience, and purity, and kindness, and longsuffering, etc., then we will refuse the “Mark”.

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But if we rather choose convenience over honesty, or expedience over patience, or lust over self-control, then when that dreaded “Mark” is ultimately given, we will easily choose that Mark because it has become our second nature to do so!

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And truth-be-told, by our little dishonest dealings, we in essence, already have the Mark right this very minute!

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Mark of the beast – pub. dom. – Wikipedia

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GOOD NEWS!

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And yet, the very Good News is, that there is still time to establish the habit of making right choices, even in the little situations of life!

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And the Spirit of Holiness is available to give us power to perform such righteous behavior.

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And the more we make such good choices a lifetime habit, the easier it gets to continue to do so!

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And then, when the day comes for Christians to make that big choice, it will be as easy and as habitual as tying our shoe!

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A “no-brainer” as they say!

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to be faithful in the little matters of life…

Prayer – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Mark of the Beast & Seal of God” or you can also read… “May 14th (The Greatest Mission-Field: My Soul!)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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NARROW GATE STARS

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This most amazing phenomenon is seen throughout the winter. Although it can be observed most of the winter, it is seen best when it is the western part of the sky, at winter’s end (The end of winter being the final scene of this heavenly Gospel story). Orion , the Dragon, and the Glorious White Horse are beginning to descend into the western horizon (sketch to right is Winter Constellations descending into western horizon. This can actually be seen as early as December, in the pre-dawn hours).

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And at this point it is apparent that the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation  is veering toward the two bright stars, known as Castor and Pollux (sketch to left). But the Wide Gate Stars are composed of the two brightest stars of the Auriga Constellation, known as the star, Capella, and the star, Menkalinan. The two stars, Castor and Pollux, make up the concept of the Orion’s Narrow Gate Stars.

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This can even be observed into June in the western sky (for a short time just after dark). While a dark night is best for seeing the Woman Constellation, the 4 stars which comprise the Narrow Gate/Wide Gate Stars can be seen even under mediocre conditions. It begins with the Fleeing Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (AKA Ursa Major) going towards these two doors.

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The sketch to left shows, the two doors are each composed of two bright stars. The two bright stars that comprise the Narrow Gate are the two brightest stars of the Orion the Reaper’s sickle. The two stars that comprise the ‘Wide Gate’ Stars are the two brightest stars of the wave of water that comes out of the Dragon Constellation’s mouth (for explanation of “Wave of Water”, just click here). The stars that make up the ‘Narrow Gate’ are about half the width of the Wide Gate (see sketch below left).

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(For more information on Orion’s sickle, just click here,“Orion The Reaper”.)

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Editor’s note: These sketches on this page are merely sketches. The stars are not in their exact place. However, they are close enough to find them in the night sky. But as with most stars, it takes persistence to finally locate them.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read…  “Revelation 12 Woman & The Narrow Gate Stars (Orion’s Gate to Heaven)” 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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TOMORROW…

“JANUARY 25 (The Pre-Trib Rapture)”

Second Coming – Return – Resurrection Morning – Jan Luyken – Bible – Wikipedia – US Public Domain (2)

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #389 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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The Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

 

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Daily Devotional – JANUARY 23

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Take Us The Foxes, The Little Foxes!

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“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.”

Song of Songs 2:15

Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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“Take us the foxes, the little foxes,

that spoil the vines:

for our vines have tender grapes.”

Song of Songs 2:15

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CHRIST AND HIS BRIDE, JERUSALEM!

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God is a lover of poetry! No doubt about it! Both nature and the Bible are teeming with poetry!

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And there is no book of the Bible like Song of Songs, for poetry! It is perhaps, the most unbelievable and disconcerting of any other book of the Bible! Yes, this poem of love almost seems a bit pornographic in a few places, speaking of a woman’s breast in such graphic imagery!

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It makes one wonder if it even belongs in the Bible!

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Maybe in the centuries past, someone just slipped it in, when no one was watching!?

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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“MUST BE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED”

1st Corinthians 2:13

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But here again, like all the rest of the Bible, Song of Songs must be understood allegorically, before it begins to make real sense! The Bible student can only rightly understand Song of Songs, when these many vivid descriptions are compared with other similar language found elsewhere in the Bible!

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And then it is eventually discovered that this little poem is actually about Christ and His bride, the Church! And of course, the Church, being compared to a woman, has been given the commission to dispense “the milk of the Word”, which explains the allegory concerning breasts.

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Yes, just like the rest of the Bible, this little Book is really all about the Gospel!

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

Holy Bible – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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WHO ARE THE LITTLE FOXES?

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But our signature scripture today is not one of those verses that makes one blush, nevertheless, it is a somewhat confusing, allegorical verse!

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Listen… “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Songs 2:15

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Okay, so what in the world could this be speaking of?

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Listen again… “O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.” Ezekiel 13:14

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Now, if a vineyard represents God’s people, then little foxes represent the little false prophets within the Church which spoil God’s spiritual harvest of Believers! Yes, just like a fox, God speaks of the false teachers which are found in every congregation, as though they were swift and cunning little foxes! And by bringing in little heresies, such false teachers spoil God’s vineyard!

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE DAY OF APOSTASY!

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And the Apostle, Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit foretells of a day in which the Church will no longer tolerate the unvarnished truth!

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Listen… “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4

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Now we see that the churches will come to their eventual apostasy and ultimate demise! And no doubt, it is the little foxes, i.e., the small-time prophets who will play a major role in the destruction of the local congregation!

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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SATAN AND HIS FALSE SHEPHERDS

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Now we should not think that the pastors of local congregations are the sum-total of what the Bible speaks of in 2nd Corinthians… “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15

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No, this above passage can be speaking of anybody, even the parishioners within the congregation: anyone who teaches falsehood, either by word or by lifestyle!

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

Satan presiding at the Infernal Council – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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LOVING JESUS WITH OUR MOUTH

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BUT LOVING SATAN WITH OUR FEET!

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Listen… “And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.” Ezekiel 33:31

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Yes, as this above verse reveals, there are many in today’s apostate church-world, who lead God’s sheep astray by false teachings.

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But also, by living a worldly lifestyle, and handling daily situations in a worldly manner, we become a walking-advertisement for this fallen world of sin and selfishness!

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And so, truth-be-told, any one of us, by engaging in unchristlike behavior, can become a false teacher! Yes, as the saying goes, “We have met the enemy, and it is US!”

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Listen… “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Ephesians 5:3, 4

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So this passage begins by naming the grotesque sin of fornication, and ends up by naming the “little sin” of joking (jesting)! And further, it warns us that these sins, both great and little, should not be named even once among us, who call ourselves Believers!

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

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THE WICKED SURROUND THE RIGHTEOUS!

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Now, in attempt to tie this conversation into a nice little bundle, the words of Habakkuk should be mentioned. You see, Habakkuk saw a vision of God’s people in these last days. And this prophet saw in that vision, a sad condition, in which God’s people were surrounded by unbelievers (Chaldeans). And in that vision, the prophet saw that by close association with unbelievers, God’s people became perverted in their own thinking and decision-making!

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Listen… “Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” Habakkuk 1:4

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So here we see that in these last moments of history, God’s people will be surrounded by unbelievers, who will cause us to become perverted in judgment!

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

People on Times Square – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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JUST LOOK AROUND!

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And all one needs to do, is to look around, both in the churches and in society to realize that the Great Day has finally come! Yes, Christians are surrounded by those, both in local congregations, or on the television, and in our own neighborhoods, who are teaching us wrong principles and worldly lifestyles and philosophies!

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Everywhere we go, we are being indoctrinated! The music in stores, the billboards on streets, the radio, the Internet, the TV shows, and even the religious programming are all part of Satan’s arsenal, to indoctrinate Christians, and our children into a less-than-Christ-honoring lifestyle!

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These are the little foxes who are destroying God’s vineyard! We are becoming flooded by these little foxes, to the point that we are drowning in Satan’s flood-waters of falsehood!

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People on Times Square – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS!

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Well, so as to not end on a sour note, we must look for a solution to this frightening situation we now find ourselves in! Just what can we do? Where can we go?

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After all, even Habakkuk says… “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2, 3

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So Habakkuk’s counsel for us today, is “RUN”! Yes, this is the remedy! RUN!

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Unfortunately, there are not many who can simply remove themselves from this situation! Oh yes, some may be able to get to country places with their children, and have a workable situation, as far as having gainful employment!

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Rød Fox – cropped image – Courtesy of Malene – Wikipedia – Share-alike License

Habakkuk by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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FLEE UNTO HEAVENLY ZION!

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But there is another place we can run to! And to simply put it, we must run into the arms of God!

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Yes, it is only by full surrender to Jesus, that we might be hidden from the walls of wickedness which are just now closing in all around us!

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Listen… “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. They are enclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.” Psalm 17:8-10

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Here in this above passage, we are counselled to seek refuge under the shadow of God’s wings! Here is the only true protection from our enemies who want to destroy us! Here is the only safety from those little foxes who are constantly biting us and trying to destroy us!

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Picture – Lot Escapes Sodom – www.thebiblerevival.com offers free Bible clipart – Public Domain.

TV – highquality – Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me escape all these things, so that I may stand before the Son of Man in that soon-coming Day…

Pray for Our Nation sign – Wikimedia – Share-alike-lic.

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… ““Vanity Fair” & The False Prophet”, or you can also read… “August 11th (Habakkuk Says “Run!”)”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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THE THIRD MOUNTAIN…CHOICE ‘C’…

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“Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.” Jeremiah 51:25

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These three mountains are called “The Valley of Decision Constellation Group”. The first two mountains on the left in this sketch are known are the Mounts of Blessing and Cursing, as found in Deuteronomy 27:11-26 & Chapter 28.

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The valley between these two mountains is called the Valley of Decision, as is written… “Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of Decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the Valley of Decision.” Joel 3:14.

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The Valley of Decision is not a physical place, but a spiritual valley in which each person of the world will make up his or her mind, as to just whom they will serve: God or Satan; God’s kingdom or this world (Satan’s kingdom).

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From the Mount of Blessing are heard all the blessings which result from serving God. From the Mount of Cursing are heard all the curses which result from disobedience to God’s will. And those in the valley will listen to both sides, and make up their minds, just who will they serve. A very simple choice, right? Wrong!

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Vanity Fair & The False Prophet”

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TOMORROW…

“JANUARY 24 (Take Us The Foxes, The Little Foxes! Part 2: Little Sins!)”

Fox reading wikimedia commons public domain

 

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #388 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Daily Devotional – JANUARY 22

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Enduring Afflictions

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“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, ‘My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.’ If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” Hebrews 12:5-7 

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The above passage was penned by the Apostle, Paul, as he quoted the words of the “Wise Man”, King Solomon. And the concept which God wrote to us through Paul’s hand, presents a huge truth which must not be overlooked! 

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Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

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THE DIVIDE BETWEEN SHEEP AND GOATS!

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And why is this such a huge concept?

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Because here is the great divide between those who will be redeemed and those who will not be saved!

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That’s right! It says in the above passage that, “…whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;”

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And so, if I am willing to endure all the trials and tribulation, and all the fiery darts of the wicked one, then this is the confirmation that I am truly one of God’s sons!

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Judgment of Sheep & Goats Fra Angelico – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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NOT TO MURMUR 

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For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:14, 15

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As this above passage reveals, the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against God!

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And so, this day’s message is for both you and myself, to not get discouraged because of our many trials! We need to get into the habit of thanking God for His chastening! For this is the means whereby we must be cleansed!

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Listen… “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2nd Corinthians 4:17, 18

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And so, this above passage reveals two things:

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1. That our light afflictions will ultimately multiply our heavenly riches in glory!

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2. And the secret to success is to look not at the things of this world, but to keep our eyes fixed upon Heaven and upon Heaven’s Jesus! 

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Tissot – Moses Smites the Rock in the Desert – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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DAVID’S MANY AFFLICTIONS

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David was a man who well-knew of His father’s chastening hand! His life seemed to be composed of one chastening after another!

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And yet, David accepted his lot in life! And he did not become weary because of his chastening! And this was the great secret to David’s ultimate victory!

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And this is how God kept David close to Himself! Yes, without this constant chastening, David would have strayed from God!

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But it was only during a time without that constant humbling, that David committed his most grievous sin of adultery and the murder which followed!

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And yet, after that, David accepted the constant chastening which followed him the rest of his life! David knew it was for his eternal welfare!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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JOB’S DISCOURAGEMENT

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Or what about the man, Job? Job (pronounced with a long “o”) endured the afflictions brought on by Satan. And Satan purposely tried to discourage Job to the point of causing him to curse God!

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For instance, it was Job’s custom to pray for his children after each of their birthday celebrations, in which they gathered together for feasting and merriment, if perchance they had sinned during the celebration!

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But when the hour came for Satan, he caused them to perish right in the middle of one of their celebrations, before Job even had a chance to pray for them!

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And no doubt, Satan came to Job and whispered in Job’s mind something like this…“Look how God has spit on you, Job! God didn’t even give you a chance to pray! Tell God that you hate Him!”

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Job-Wikipedia-US-public-domain.jpg

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HIDING GOD’S PRECIOUS PROMISES!

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Well, this is likewise a common way in which Satan tries to discourage us in life’s little situations! Yes, Satan makes his assaults seem like God is being petty and insulting! And then Satan whispers in our mind… “Look how God has treated you! He is being petty and insulting! Tell Him, ‘I hate you, God!'”

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And so, as we continue to hide God’s Word in our heart, we must hide as many of God’s “exceeding great and precious promises” as possible! And then, when Satan begins to discourage us, we can draw from our well-spring of heavenly wisdom, and use those promises to strengthen our shield of faith!

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And so, my dear chastened soul, lose not heart! Endure the trials which God has prepared for thee! It is for thy health and Salvation!

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And as we consider how Christ bore His Cross on behalf of His wayward human family, so too, we must allow Him to continue to bear that Cross, as He works in us and through us, causing us to bear our daily Cross on behalf of our own human family.

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Girl with a Bible – Wikimedia – US Public Domain

Cross of Jesus Christ – cropped photo – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Keep me from murmuring against you! But give me an appreciation for my many trials! Complete the work within me, so that all the world might not see me, but might see Jesus…

Prayer – Brooklyn Museum – Saint James the Less – by James Tissot – Wikimedia Commons – US Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… May 24th (A Suffering Church is a Strong Church!), or you can also read… “February 1st (In Every Thing Give Thanks!?!)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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GLORIOUS CROWN CONSTELLATION… 

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& THE REVELATION 12 WOMAN

(Click here to read more!)

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Let us meet our first host: The Glorious Crown of Revelation 12 Constellation!

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This Glorious Crown Constellation looks like a wreath at first glance. It has 7 stars, plus another star in the middle. This Glorious Crown Constellation is commonly referred to as the Corona Borealis Constellation. This wreath reminds us of the victory wreath given to athletes who won races in the ancient cultures. This was spoken of by Paul as he compared those ancient races to the race that Christians must run…  “Know you all not, that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you all may obtain.” 1st Corinthians 9:24 (see also Hebrews 12:1) 

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Corona Borealis – Wikipedia – Taken from software called Perseus (crown drawn in by this website)- All rights by Roberto Mura 

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“A CROWN OF 12 STARS UPON HER HEAD” …

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But upon a closer examination if you have access to a very dark sky out in the country; if you watch this wreath, you will eventually see 5 more very faint stars, making a total of 12 stars, plus that single star in the middle. This wreath now becomes a crown of 12 stars. This goes along with Revelation 12, which tells of a crown of 12 stars upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12.

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Just listen to Revelation… “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman…and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Rev. 12:1.

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But this crown is not yet upon the head of the Virtuous Woman of Revelation 12 Constellation (also known as Ursa Major). It is just above her head, as if she has yet to attain it. Of course, the 13th star in the middle would represent Christ (Who is our true Crown of our rejoicing). Ok, so we have a picture of Christ and His twelve tribes of Israel. But also we have a picture of Christ and His twelve apostles, which is a picture of His Church. So this heavenly crown is a multi-faceted concept.

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Laurel Wreath Lorbeerkranz_Zypern wikipedia pub. dom.

ABOVE STAR-CHART – Summer Constellations w/ark & Rev. 12 Woman – www.theheavensdeclare.net

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The 12-Star Crown Constellation of Revelation 12” 

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TOMORROW…

“JANUARY 23 (Take Us The Foxes, The Little Foxes!)”

Fox reading wikimedia commons public domain

 

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #387 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Daily Devotional, Year 2 – JANUARY 21

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Like Likes Like!

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“As is the earthy,

such are they also that are earthy:

and as is the heavenly,

such are they also that are heavenly.”

1st Corinthians 15:48

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One of the lesser known geniuses of the Twentieth Century was an outspoken atheist/philosopher/theoretical-physicist/, Richard P. Feynman (1918-1988).

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This man was associate and sometimes tutor to the likes of people, for example, like Albert Einstein, a fellow Jew. And besides being a college professor, and participant in the Manhattan Project, his life was devoted to the discovery of the principles of physics.

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Now one of Feynman’s most infamous statements is the phrase, “Like likes like”, which has to do with the attraction of like-molecules to each other. And many, no doubt, have used Feynman’s quote, applying it to different aspects to everyday life!

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Feynman and Oppenheimer at Los Alamos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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PAUL’S ASSESSMENT OF THIS THEORY

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Yes, that phrase, “Like likes like” can apply to many aspects of life! And this theory can also apply to the spiritual life!

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Listen… “As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” 1st Corinthians 15:48

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Now this above verse presents a similar idea to Feynman ‘s theory, “Like likes like”. Of course, Paul uttered it much more eloquently and almost 2,000 years prior to Feynman!

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But it must be noted that things in the natural world usually have their spiritual counterpart!

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Paul the Apostle – Artist – Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier – circa 1500s – Wikipedia – public domain

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SPIRITUAL THINGS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

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And the Bible gives a confirmation to 1st Corinthians 15:48, found in 1st Corinthians 2:14… “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

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Here is an even more defined application of this truth of life!

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Yes, those who are natural (carnal) have little stomach for spiritual things!

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They are foolishness to such earthly-minded men!

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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“LIKE LIKES LIKE” IN THE CHURCH

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So this theory of “Like likes like” is also seen in the church world too!

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Listen… “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7, 8

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As this above passage states, there are carnally-minded persons in God’s house! And some of these happen to be behind the pulpits!

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Listen again… “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:14, 15

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So here we see that Satan has his own ministers within the church. And many of them will so cleverly cloak their lies, mingling them in the truth, that they will “deceive, if possible, even the Elect!” Matthew 24:24

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Evangelist Preaching – Church – Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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HERETICAL HERMENEUTIC

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Satan has cleverly introduced a totally unbiblical doctrine into the church! It is sometimes called the “hermeneutic of literal interpretation”, or, “The Historical-Grammatical Method of Interpretation”.

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And to define it concisely, it is the doctrine that the Bible must be interpreted as literal as possible! In other words, unless context demands an allegorical interpretation, the Bible student must not try to see a spiritual meaning!

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Take for example, the Bible account of Jacob wrestling with the man through the night, must only be understood literally. There can be no allegorical understanding.

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Or take, for another example, the various bowls of God’s wrath, as presented in Revelation, Chapter 16. Those various plagues must be interpreted as literal as possible.

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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel – Wikipedia – public domain

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THE BIBLE A SPIRITUAL BOOK!

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Now the Bible is a spiritual book. And there is absolutely no scripture which commands us to abstain from trying to see the spiritual meaning of the various stories found in the Gospels, or the Old Testament! And so, this phantom hermeneutic has no biblical origin! It was totally contrived by theologians of the past, and is still a cardinal rule of interpretation to this very day!

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Now, this is not to say that every Bible teacher who subscribes to this hermeneutic is a heretic! No, but Satan has deceived, if possible, even the very Elect! He has successfully brought in this hermeneutic, and has caused many sincere Bible teachers to accept this unbiblical teaching! And even though there is nothing which commands Bible students to adhere to this hermeneutic, they have somehow been deceived in this area of Bible study!

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Holy Bible – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Lic.

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LOCKED OUT OF DEEPER TRUTHS!

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And so, as a result, the vast majority of Christians have been locked out from understanding much of the Bible!

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As an example, most Christians cannot understand that the Old Testament prophets, when speaking concerning Israel and Jews, were also speaking of the Church! And so, they cannot see the spiritual truths which are so often veiled in allegories!

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Bible and Key Divination – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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THE EARTHLY-MINDED DESIRE EARTHLY TRUTHS

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The problem is, that when carnally-minded men try to interpret spiritual truths, they tend to gravitate towards an earthly interpretation! The theory, “Like likes like” applies to these carnally-minded men! They being earthly, are attracted to earthly interpretations!

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For instance, when trying to understand the meaning of locusts, in Revelation, Chapter 9, they will invariably attempt to find some earthly meaning! They cannot see the spiritual application, that locusts represent the various ways that God allows the Devil to destroy our spiritual crops, so to speak!

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In other words, God, in His attempt to bring us to repentance, will sometimes allow the Devil to remove our earthly blessings! And then, in our consternation, we will hopefully turn back to the Lord, in humble prayer and sorrow for sin!   

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black helicopters – Wikimedia – US Army – Public Domain

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THE GOOD NEWS!

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“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna”

Revelation 2:17

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The Good News is that once God gives us spiritual eyes to see the deeper truths of Scripture, we will begin to see through the eyes of Jesus, the “hidden Manna”, which is literally found all through the Bible!

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And as we become nourished up in that hidden Manna, we then can begin to walk that upward pathway, which leads us to the “Jerusalem above”!

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James Tissot – The Gathering of the Manna – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

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“Give ear, O My people, to My law:

incline your ears to the words of My mouth.

I will open My mouth in a parable:

I will utter dark sayings of old:

Which we have heard and known,

and our fathers have told us.

We will not hide them from their children,

shewing to the generation to come

the praises of the LORD, and His strength,

and His wonderful works that He hath done.”

Psalm 78:1-4

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me a love for spiritual things. Let me not be deceived by those teachers who force Christians to deny spiritual truths of Scripture, veiled by allegories and metaphors…

Woman Praying – cropped image – Wikimedia – Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”, or you can also read… “February 15th (The Two Images!)” 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

 

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS STARS

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A new constellation has been revealed, as of about May 29th, 2014.

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This constellation appears as a snake. Its body is comprised of stars from the Bootes Constellation, and its jaws are made of the four stars which Babylonians saw as the head of Draco, the Dragon. It also has a small single star for an eye.

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Now in this constellation is a group of five stars, which will be called “The Five Foolish Virgins Stars”. These are located on the opposite side of the Glorious Crown of 12 Stars, from the Five Wise Virgins Stars. But one big difference between the two is, that The Five Wise are curved around the Glorious Crown, while the Five Foolish are curved away from it!

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ABOVE STAR-CHART (with constellation drawn in by this website)- Serpent with Wise Virgins not Attached – seen late summer into fall only – Serpent Constellation – comprised of the head of Draco, plus stars from the Bootes Constellation – www.signsofheaven.org – not for profit use

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Five Foolish Virgins Stars”

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TOMORROW…

” JANUARY 22 (Enduring Afflictions)”

Christian and Apollyon – Pilgrim’s Progress – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

 

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded Bible truth-seekers) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #386 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Daily Devotional – JANUARY 20

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Eternal Torment?

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Part 5:

“The Talk Show”

To read Part 1, click here… “September 8th (Eternal Torment?)”

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“Every word of God is pure….

Add thou not unto His words,

lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

Proverbs 30:5, 6

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Yesterday, there was a radio talk-show caller who asked the following question… “Don’t you think there should be some balance concerning the church-doctrine of eternal torment? After all, there are many passages which speak of Hell as death! For instance, Job, Chapter 3 is a lament of Job as he wishes he had never been born!”

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“And”, the caller continued, “Job says in his complaint… ‘Why died I not from the womb?…For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest, With kings and counsellors of the earth…Or with princes…There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest….There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.'” Job 3:11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

Job (oil on canvas) by Bonnat, Leon Joseph Florentin (1833-1922) – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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A SURPRISING ANSWER!

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Now the talk-show caller was totally surprised by the answer that he got:

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1. “The cults believe in Hell as being ‘annihilation'”.

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2. “We trust in church’s long-held traditional belief of, ‘Eternal Torment'”.

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3. “Chapter 3 was a scenario of Job venting his frustration, and just like Ecclesiastes, cannot be considered as Bible doctrine, but merely the venting of Job!”

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Job rebuked by his friends – Wikipedia – US Public Domain

Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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FAULTY REASONING!

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Now certainly, the first two answers by those talk-show hosts are clearly not the correct way to interpret Scripture!

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After all, every cult has a certain amount of truth! No cult is made of total lies! But rather, most cults are made of truth mingled with lies! So, truth is never defined by what false gospels believe or don’t believe!

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Second, long-held church traditions are never the test of Bible truth. After all, there have been many long-held church traditions which are obviously unbiblical! The deity of Mary, indulgences, Purgatory, etc., are just a few of the many long-held church traditions!

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woodcut of the pope selling indulgences, from Luther’s 1521 “Passionary of the Christ and Antichrist” – Wikipedia – US public domain

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“EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE!”

Proverbs 30:5

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But perhaps the most amazing error that these talk-show hosts put forth, was their third argument. 

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To say that the Book of Job and the Book of Ecclesiastes are not necessarily the divine Word of Truth is utter heresy! 

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You see, the Apostle, Paul proclaimed… “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction…” 2nd Timothy 3:16

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This above verse gives the Bible student complete confidence that any and every Bible verse is the infallible Word of God, and can be trusted as infallible Bible doctrine, and can be used for reproof and correction of any church doctrine. 

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Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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NOT TO ADD NOR DIMINISH!

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Yes, this third Chapter of Job is every bit as important as, say, the Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus! As a matter of fact, the Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus cannot be properly understood, without combining it with Job Chapter 3. 

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And before one can properly understand The Parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus, that parable must be combined with every other related Bible passage!

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In other words, you cannot lift one or two Bible passages on a particular subject, and make those into a church doctrine! 

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Listen… “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” Isaiah 28:9, 10

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No, we must continue to be corrected and reproved by every other Bible passage concerning the true nature of Hell!

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MANY PASSAGES CONFIRM HELL AS DEATH! 

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We cannot just take the Bible passages we like and reject Job Chapter 3, and the other passages that speak of Hell as death!

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Listen… “Behold, all souls are Mine (says the Lord); as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4

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No, most talk-show hosts only mention those Bible passages which affirm their own pet church doctrines.  And when confronted by Job 3, or this above verse from Ezekiel 18:4, they wrest away these conflicting passages, or deny them altogether as they did with Job 3!

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Hell’s Torment and Tormentor – Wikipedia – Public Domain

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GOOD NEWS!

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But there is some very Good News! Listen… “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and YE NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU: but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” 1st John 2;26, 27

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This above passage warns us that there will be those who will attempt to deceive us! And this above passage reveals that we don’t need to let any man teach us! Because every true worshiper of God has the Anointing of God. And that Anointing is the indwelling Spirit of Truth! And so, we can read the Bible for our own self, without having to submit to any human authority!

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Now that’s really Good News! 

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US Navy – Chaplain Lt. Jason Gregory reads Bible on weather deck – Wikimedia – US Govt. Public Domain

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TO READ PART 6, CLICK HERE…

May 24 (Eternal Torment? Part 6: The Best Kept Secret in Hell)

Buddhist Hell – Wikipedia – public domain

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THE READER IS INVITED TO LISTEN TO THIS 23 MINUTE AUDIO STUDY INTO THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH, CONDUCTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING CONCERNING HOW THE BIBLE IS SPURNED AND REJECTED TO A GREAT DEGREE BY TODAY’S CHURCH-WORLD…

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Help me to understand the proper way to study my Bible! Let me depend less on what others tell the Bible says, and more on what the Spirit of God reveals! Help me to study and contemplate the Bible throughout my day…

Marines at Prayer by Alex Raymond – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “January 30th (ABC Christianity)“, or you can also read… “February 19th (“Man Shall…Live…By Every Word”)” 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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LOCATING THESE TWO CONSTELLATIONS

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 This phenomenon begins in late October, in the pre-dawn hours. It then begins a little earlier each night.

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This Wikipedia star-chart to the left, has this Orion Constellation sketched in. You must locate Orion, when it is mid-sky, between east and west. You’ll be facing southward most likely, unless you are far south. Try to imagine it as a Cross on a steep hill. The 3-star belt of Orion becomes the crest of the hill. The 3 very faint stars that make up Orion’s head become the very top of the Cross.

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Next, locate the 7 Stars Constellation. This 7 Stars Constellation is seen by facing northward. It stands upright a little later in the night. Eventually, Orion will lay down and no longer be seen as an uplifted Cross! Beginning in November, the 7 Stars (AKA Big Dipper) can be seen as a Cross a little bit later in evening.

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When you are comfortable in locating Orion & The 7 Stars Constellations, then show a friend. This can be a great witnessing tool!

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ABOVE CHART: The Cross of Orion Constellation star-chart – wikipedia star-chart with orion drawn in by this website – not for commercial use

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “‘7 Stars’ Imitate ‘The Cross of Orion’”

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TOMORROW… 

“JANUARY 21 (Like Likes Like!)”

Feynman and Oppenheimer at Los Alamos – Wikipedia – Public Domain

 

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #385 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Daily Devotional – JANUARY 19

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George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again!

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Part 3:

“How Do I Become Born Again?”

To read Part 1, click here… George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! Part 1: 

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The last two parts of this devotional on George Whitefield focused on his constant harping on the Bible truth, “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN”. Yes, this was Whitefield’s mantra and message throughout his ministry! YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!

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And through the years of his ministry, George Whitefield’s booming voice could be heard echoing through the valleys, those critically important words… “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

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George Whitefield preaching – by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org US public domain

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EXAMINE YOURSELVES, PROVE YOURSELVES

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“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2nd Corinthians 13:5

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But there are countless Christians who are asking the question, “Well, just how do I become ‘Born Again’?” Yes, there are so very many who faithfully attend church, and pay their tithes, and serve in their church, perhaps as an Elder or even as a Pastor! And yet they know deep down that something’s wrong with their religion! They just do not live that victorious Christian life!

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Question Mark – at a loss – Wikimedia – Share-alike license

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“A FORM OF GODLINESS”

2nd Timothy 3:5

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Oh yes, they have just enough piety so as to blend in! And of course, this undone condition is most likely the same condition of most everyone else in that congregation. And so, it is no problem to blend in!

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Nevertheless, the tell-tale signs of worldliness are everywhere in that “make-believer’s” life! Perhaps a quick temper! Or a lack of self-control! Or cussing under the breath! Or uncontrollable lewd thoughts! Or stinginess with money or time! Or fighting with the spouse or other family members! Or worldly-mindedness! Or a lack of love for Bible study! Or an inability to pray or contemplate God’s Word throughout the day

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Now these are just some of the tell-tale signs which may be on-going in the life of those who have never become truly Born Again!

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PS Krøyer – Hip hip hurra! – Kunstnerfest på Skagen – 1888 – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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THE EXTREMELY GOOD NEWS!

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But the very Good News to all this is, it is still the day of Salvation! Oh yes, we may be like Nicodemus, the ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus by night! And just as Jesus said to Nicodemus, Jesus likewise says to us… “Ye must be born again!” John 3:7

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And so, the Book of James gives us the recipe for success… “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God…Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:4, 8-10

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Yes, here is the recipe for success, for those of us who are still servants of the flesh! And no, this above recipe is not for just an hour, or a day, or even a month! It is to be our attitude with God, until the day that we are no longer servants of the flesh: until the day we have totally overcome the world!

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David’s sorrow – Wikigallery – Public Domain

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AS WE CARRY ON WITH LIFE’S DUTIES!

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And though we must still continue to work our jobs! And though we must continue to be cheerful for our family! And though we must still use the material things of the world! 

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But in the midst of all of life’s duties, we can still cry silently to God, and plead for His great grace to bless us, and cling to His precious promises, to bring us to full conversion!

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And we can continue to humbly accept the various trials which may come our way, and keep from despising such chastening, knowing that these are for the ultimate purification of our hearts!

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USMC – Prayer before Bible study – Wikimedia – public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Lift me up, and help me to walk by faith! Bring me the trials which will purify my heart! Give me that new life, though I will lose all this sad world…

Marine Praying – Wikimedia – USMC Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Planet of Rest: “What is the True Sabbath?””, or you can also read… “February 14th (By Beholding Jesus…Changed!)” 

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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THE HOLY GHOST RIDER CONSTELLATION

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This newest Signs Of Heaven Constellation (Fall, 2013) is by far the faintest of constellations, but is a very incredible and awesome one in a number of ways (which this article will explain).

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It is primarily comprised of the Camelopardalis Constellation (head and upper back), plus about 5 stars from the Cassiopeia Constellation (his leg), plus some random stars. It appears as an outline of a rider. Only the back of his head is detailed. And his back and the back of his legs are also detailed. Both sides of his arm are visible, and his hand is gripping the horse’s mane, and that is detailed by three stars (which are also part of the horse’s mane). The rider is in a position vaguely similar to a race-horse jockey. The two brightest stars in this constellation, are from the Cassiopeia Constellation, and are part of his leg. All the rest of the stars are very faint, and must be viewed on a very starry night.

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Since this constellation has just been revealed, there may be more to this constellation in the coming months. But if you can locate the Goodly Horse in Battle Constellation, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating this Rider Constellation, provided you have excellent star-watching conditions. 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “The Holy-Ghost-Rider Constellation”

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TOMORROW…

JANUARY 20 (Eternal Torment? Part 4: The Talk Show)” 

Announcer with microphone – svg – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

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THIS STUDY #384 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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ABOVE PICTURE: Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.org – Public Domain

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Daily Devotional – JANUARY 18

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George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! 

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Part 2:

“Futile Preaching!”

To read Part 1, click here… George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! Part 1: 

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It is said that George Whitefield developed the reputation of becoming the proverbial “one-note symphony”, at times! You see, this infamous preacher and catalyst of the Great Awakening of the 1700’s seemed to be constantly harping on one aspect of the Gospel!

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And so much so, this tall and foreboding cut of a figure was once asked, “Why do you always preach about being ‘Born Again’?” And Whitefield probably took a little pause to think about his answer. But Whitefield finally returned the answer, “Because…Ye must be “Born Again!”

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Yes, this is the over-arching answer to all the questions of life, which whirl and swirl through the cyclonic winds of strife in this confusing Babylonish world we live in! “Ye must be “Born Again”!

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And George Whitefield knew that unless a man, woman, or even a child had received a brand-new life, then all else was futile! Yes, Whitefield knew that it was a waste of time and breath to preach and teach and preach to a group of unconverted souls who had never become “Born Again”!

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George Whitefield preaching – by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org – US public domain

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NICODEMUS COMES TO JESUS!

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When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, he gave, no doubt, his usual flatteringly gracious  salutation… “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”

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But Jesus wasted no time in cutting right through to the heart of Nicodemus’ great need…“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 1st John 3:3

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Here was the message which Nicodemus needed to hear! And this great truth took Nicodemus by surprise! Yes, this ruler of the Jews was so accustomed to hearing the vain and futile sermonizing of the Pharisees, that he could scarcely comprehend what Jesus was telling him… “Nicodemus saith unto Him (Jesus), How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? John 3:4

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Now to this, Jesus answered… “Marvel not that I said unto thee, ‘Ye must be born again’. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:7, 8

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Nicodemus – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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VAIN SERMONS PREACHED!

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And in Christian world, we have a similar dilemma in today’s pulpits!

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Yes, so many preachers of the Gospel spend countless hours preaching vain words to, yet-to-be-converted parishioners, who have no spiritual ears to truly hear!

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They preach about the many Bible virtues! They tell the congregation about all the factors necessary to become a patient and loving Christian! They sermonize about the importance of being honest! They encourage our congregation to become more generous and giving! Or they extol the virtuous benefits of speaking more gentle, euphemistic words! They give all the latest psychology on raising their children! And they host marriage encounter getaways, at some nice vacation resort!

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And yet, marriages are still failing! Children are still problem-children! We still use harsh and foolish words! Our offerings are still a little on the stingy side! We still tell “little white lies”! And we are still impatient!

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 Audience hands – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!

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Yes, all those futile sermons do us little good! Perhaps the only good we get from all those weekly sermons, is that they pile up the Law of God upon our head, like a giant and heavy mountain! And well, maybe we need for that to happen!

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But it doesn’t solve our great need! And so, we continue to ask our own self, “How can I become a victorious Christian?”

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And to all this, the big booming voice of George Whitefield comes rolling down through the corridors of time… “YE MUST BE ‘BORN AGAIN’!”

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Yes, this is the answer to all of life’s problems! “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”

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George Whitefield preaching – by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org – US public domain

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‘BORN AGAIN’: THE GREAT ANSWER!

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To become Born Again! This is how we can become patient with others! And this is the “watchman” who guards us from all dishonesty! And this is “key” which unlocks the treasure-chest of our generosity! And this is the “good judgment” which causes us to use softer and kinder words! And this is all the “psychology” we’ll ever need to know, to begin treating our family with love, respect, and gentleness!

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YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN! Yes, good old George Whitefield knew the secret of success, which no amount of patching up our character flaws and no amount of duct-taping our problems can accomplish! 

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YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN! Only a brand-new life and a brand-new heart can truly bring about that Christian victory that we so long to have!

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George Whitefield GNU Free Documentation License, Wikipedia

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But the very next question we must ask, is this: “How do I become “Born Again”?

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Question Marks – At a loss – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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TO READ PART 3, CLICK HERE…

“JANUARY 19 (George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! Part 3: How Do I Become Born Again?)”

George Whitefield preaching – by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org US public domain

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Bring me to this wonderful experience! Give me a brand-new heart! Bring me through the trials and cause me to grow in wisdom and knowledge of Thee…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – .bassenge.com – Cropped image – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Fleeing to the Mountains, Part 3: The Abomination in My Heart”, or you can also read…January 7th (The Chrysalis Christian!)

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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ARK SEEN IN HEAVEN 

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“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.”  Revelation 11:19

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The above verse from Revelation, speaks of God’s Temple in Heaven being opened. But this great constellation, the  Sagittarius Constellation  is actually the constellation of the Ark of the Covenant. So these two events go hand in hand simultaneously.

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The Ark Constellation, as sketched into this Wikipedia star-chart, is a representation of the heavenly Ark, as God begins to open up the spiritual concepts of that true Ark to our minds.

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Star-chart from Wikipedia (this Website has taken the liberty to sketch in this Ark Constellation)

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Ark of the Covenant Constellation, Pt. 2: How To Enter The Most Holy Place”

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TOMORROW…

“JANUARY 19 (George Whitefield, Ye Must Be Born Again! Part 3: How Do I Become Born Again?)”

George Whitefield preaching – by John Collet – www.wikigallery.org US public domain

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY IN JEREMIAH 

.

ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded truth-seekers) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

.

THIS STUDY #383 IS PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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